Focus on source reduction to curb dengue, says Kozhikode DMO

The Health department has issued an alert as dengue cases are on the rise in Kozhikode district. District Medical Officer (DMO) K.K. Rajaram has urged that mosquito source-reduction activities be intensified.

In a statement, Mr. Rajaram said that mosquitoes that spread dengue primarily lay eggs and breed inside houses and in the immediate surroundings. They breed in stagnant water collected in containers such as stored water vessels, discarded coconut shells, broken utensils, toys, refrigerator trays, plant pots used for money plants, trays kept under flower pots, discarded tyres, plastic sheets and tarpaulins used to cover firewood, rubber latex collection cups, areca leaf sheaths, tanks at construction sites, as well as on terraces and sunshades where water accumulates. Growing money plants or other plants inside homes can also pose a risk.

The DMO said that intermittent summer rains create favourable conditions for mosquito breeding. Those who store water during summer should ensure that containers are properly covered. Water kept for birds and animals should be changed at least once a week, he said.